STEVE Lomas has been sacked as Millwall manager following today’s 4-0 defeat at Watford.

The result left the Lions just three points above the relegation zone and now Neil Harris and Scott Fitzgerald will assume temporary control until a permanent replacement is confirmed.

Lomas’ summer appointment as Kenny Jackett’s successor was always regarded as controversial because of his background as the former captain of bitter rivals West Ham United.

However, it was the Ulsterman’s poor record during his brief reign at The Den rather than his past which ultimately proved his undoing.

Millwall picked up just one victory from the previous six games and the crowd reaction to Saturday’s abject 2-0 home defeat against Middlesbrough would have left the under-fire boss in no doubt he was under serious pressure.

It was reported after the Boro fiasco the club’s board had demanded an instant response in the upcoming two festive away games at Watford and Doncaster.

But today’s pitiful display and result at Vicarage Road was not the reaction they had in mind, prompting Lomas’ dismissal this evening.

Chief executive Andy Ambler said: “We are very disappointed that it hasn't worked out for Steve.

“He has been thoroughly professional in his approach to the job during his short period with the club and remains a very promising young manager.

“However, the board feels that it is in the best interests of Millwall that we make the change at this time and the search for a successor to Steve begins immediately.

“We thank Steve for his efforts and wish him the very best for the future."

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